Separate boats travelling from Libya have left at least 20 people dead, while Greek and European crews rescued more than 130 others in several operations

ATHENS, Greece – International News Service — At least 20 migrants have been found dead south of Crete since the weekend, underscoring the growing danger along a Mediterranean route that has become a major crossing point into Europe.

Greek authorities recovered 12 bodies Monday from a boat found about 28 kilometres south of Crete. A Moroccan-flagged cargo ship rescued 18 people from the vessel. The identities of the dead and the circumstances surrounding their deaths were not immediately known.

The discovery followed another operation near Kali Limenes. According to the Greek coast guard, a tugboat rescued 28 Sudanese nationals and recovered one body after locating their boat in severe weather. Seven more bodies were found when the drifting vessel was recovered Monday.

Survivors said two other passengers had fallen into the sea and remained missing. They told investigators that the boat left Libya on November 3 or 4. Two Sudanese passengers, aged 28 and 16, were arrested after other survivors identified them as suspected smugglers. The allegations have not been tested in court.

Crews also intercepted several other boats south of Crete on Monday. Frontex aircraft and drones helped locate vessels carrying approximately 87 people, who were taken safely to the island.

The eastern Mediterranean was the European Union’s busiest irregular migration route during the first eight months of 2026. Frontex recorded more than 24,200 crossing detections, with the corridor from Libya to Crete remaining particularly active.

Overall detections at EU borders have declined, but the human cost remains high. Frontex, citing International Organization for Migration figures, said more than 1,800 people had died in the Mediterranean by September.